How to Take an Active Role in Managing Bipolar Disorder

You've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. There is relief in having an explanation and fear about what that means. You are not alone, and there are many ways you can contribute to the management of your disease with the below tips.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• A psychiatrist in whom you trust
• A complete understanding of the disease
• A support system
• Stubborn determination
• Self-focused lifestyle

1. It can be extremely frightening to be told you have bipolar disorder, a disease that has no known cure. You are essentially given a diagnosis that will last the rest of your life. This is exactly why a trusted, qualified psychiatrist is your best ally in the fight to manage your disease. Medication is quite often an integral part of the program to control mood swings, and it may take a while for your doctor to find just the right drug, the right combination of drugs or the right dosage for you. Move to quickly establish excellent communication with your doctor; otherwise, she will have more difficulty in identifying the most beneficial drug therapy. Be patient, as some medications can be difficult to tolerate at first. It may be a few weeks before the initial side effects subside and you begin to slowly reap the benefits.
2. Should you be placed on drug therapy and it begins to control the symptoms of bipolar disorder, you come to a common but dangerous crossroads. You may feel that you are back in control and no longer need the medication. All too often, people with bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses reach a point where they feel cured or "normal," they unfortunately decide to go it alone. Not only can stopping medications abruptly throw you into cycling, it can also be very dangerous to your physical health. Talk openly with your doctor about your desire to come off the drugs and trust his judgment. Just as you would contact him immediately about any serious side effects, you should also contact him immediately before coming off your medications.
3. Having established a relationship with your doctor, you need to get to know as much as possible about your disease. Knowledge is your greatest personal weapon. Ultimately, either you will control your disease, or it will control you. You would be determined not to let another person invade your life, and this is exactly the kind of protective, stubborn determination you must use to be in charge of your disease!
4. Like fear, self pity is a normal early response to getting a diagnosis. Go ahead and allow yourself to get it out of your system. But do not wallow in it. Pity has no long-term place in healing and managing bipolar disorder. Well-intentioned loved ones can sometimes encourage us to feel sorry for ourselves. This is why finding a support group either locally or as an online network is paramount to developing a strong attitude for the long haul. This isn't the flu. If you want to get better and stay better, you have to think about your future every single day.
5. If you had been diagnosed with diabetes, you would've been given a diet and literature on nutrition and exercise. Hopefully, you are working with a psychiatrist who has done exactly that, as it relates to your bipolar disorder. There are many "triggers" that can set an episode of cycling into motion. Common triggers can include an irregular schedule or routine and any dramatic change. It can be brought on by a death, moving into a new home, or any unexpected or extreme changes. Keep yourself healthy by establishing a daily routine that allows for some down time (even 15 minutes per day to relax can make a difference) and a regular sleep pattern. Make sure your diet is high in vitamins and minerals and low on sugar, fat, and artificial ingredients. Make time to exercise at least 3 times per week. This type of balanced lifestyle encourages a chemical balance in the brain.
6. Avoid people or situations that are predictable triggers. It may be an extended family member or friend whom you love dearly, but if being around them consistently throws you into mania, avoid them as much as reasonably possible. You will learn the situations that are problematic, and you will become more and more adapt at making lifestyle adjustments.
7. With a good psychiatrist as your advocate, knowledge, support, and lifestyle adjustments, bipolar disorder does not become who you are; rather, you are your own person who just happens to have bipolar disorder.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a journal. You'll be able to track patterns, foods, situations, etc., that have an impact.
• If you're not happy with the first doctor you see, find another. The key is to build a relationship of trust and respect.
• Do not underestimate how dangerous it can be to come off of drug therapy abruptly and without a doctor's guidance.
• If you have thoughts of suicide or self-injury, seek help immediately from your doctor, a close friend, family member, support group or suicide hotline.